Fire in the Redwoods
They’ve lived for thousands of years. They’re the tallest and largest trees on Earth. And now these majestic giants are burning. Follow me as I guide you through California’s...
Biogeography
Blowin’ in the Wind
Wind is all around us, constantly playing an essential role in life across California and on Earth. But what is wind and what forces are responsible for moving the...
Zion vs Yosemite: the Science behind the Splendor
Spectacular Sierra Nevada canyons, such as Yosemite and Kings, and the magnificent high desert canyons sliced found found in Zion national Park motivate and challenge us to learn more about the natural history of our dynamic planet.
Hilary Makes Weather History in Southern California
Here is a different story about the tropical storm that made national news and will live long in California history. Hurricane Hilary was exceptional only for the path it...
Chasing the Desert Superbloom, 2023
Our last two stories illustrated how the storms of 2023 left lasting imprints across our Golden State. Here, we compare and contrast landscapes around Anza Borrego and the Antelope...
What does it take to produce a fantastic Superbloom?
The vibrant and colorful wildflowers that blanket California’s hills and valleys this time of year are a magnificent sight to behold. But not every year is a “superbloom” year....
Finding STEAM in our Summer Skies
Nature conducted another round of spectacular scientific exhibitions and experiments in the atmosphere above California last summer. When such aesthetic skies are on display, we are given opportunities to...
The “Morel” of the Story …
Perhaps the greatest aspect of the discipline of geography is that it is limited only by your imagination. You can explore any subject or phenomenon on the face of...
Storm Chasing in the California Desert
When temperatures rise during early summer, residents of the desert and mountain Southwest U.S. begin anticipating the arrival of their annual monsoon season. (1) Welcome to our first in...
Unprecedented Drought, Heat, and Fire Repeat in the West, 2021
It has become an unfortunate and disturbing annual Golden State dance during the last several years. Severe drought plagues the majority of the state, followed by extended record heat...
